Introduction: The intersection of food insecurity and chronic health issues, such as diabetes and hypertension, underscores the need for programs addressing nutritional deficits and promoting family health. This study evaluates a Food as Medicine (FAM) program in the Southeastern U.S., supporting food insecure participants with uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension through a Whole Food Plant Based (WFPB) intervention. Limited research exists on household impact; thus, this study examines how FAM programs benefit participants' families and friends.

Methods: A pilot cross-sectional study of 10 participants in a year-long program, which included nutrition education, cooking classes, and produce pickups, were categorized based on household (HHS) size (≥5 and <5 members). Surveys measured recipe sharing, dietary changes, family cooking involvement, reaction to new produce and shifts in mood or energy. Descriptive statistics were used and findings will be reported based on frequency distributions.

Results: Of participants, 90% were African American and 100% female. Among participants with HHS ≥5, 80% cook independently with minor changes in meal preparation and 100% shared recipes. In HHS <5, 60% reported children and grandchildren showed interest in learning about healthy foods and 100% noticed improvements in energy, mood and health. In both HHS, 100% acknowledged the program’s positive impact on their family’s eating habits. 50% expressed challenges incorporating FAM produce and recipes desiring more cooking classes to engage their families.

Discussion: FAM programs foster lasting behavioral changes that ripple through families beyond participants, making WFPB FAM programs a promising solution to improve lives, one household at a time.